TORONTO, Canada — The Canadian Paediatric Society is urging doctors to make conversations about healthy relationships and dating violence a routine part of medical care for teenagers, warning that many young people experience abuse from dating partners.
In new guidance issued Thursday, November 5, 2026, the society said approximately one-third of Canadian teens experience physical, psychological, sexual or technology-related abuse in relationships. Such behaviour can include stalking and controlling a partner’s communication with others.
Technology Creates New Ways to Control Partners
Dr. Megan Harrison, chair of the society’s adolescent health committee, said social media and messaging platforms can make it easier for abusive partners to monitor teenagers or restrict their interactions with friends.
She explained that although dating violence also affects adults, adolescents may be particularly vulnerable because they are still developing their identities and learning how to navigate relationships.
The society says abuse does not always involve physical violence. Emotional manipulation, intimidation, sexual abuse and digital surveillance can also indicate an unhealthy relationship.
Doctors Encouraged to Create Safe Spaces
The new recommendations encourage healthcare providers to routinely discuss healthy and unhealthy relationships during adolescent medical appointments.
Doctors are advised to speak privately with teenage patients during part of their visits and explain the limits of confidentiality, particularly when there are immediate concerns about the safety of the patient or another person.
The guidance also recommends providing educational materials that teenagers can keep or share with friends.
Harrison said doctors do not necessarily need to have every answer when a young person discloses abuse. Instead, they should listen without judgment, acknowledge the disclosure and help connect the patient with appropriate community support.
Additional Support for Vulnerable Teenagers
If a teenager reports experiencing dating violence, healthcare providers are encouraged to help them access assistance. This could include making a phone call together, arranging an appointment or reviewing support services.
The guidance also warns that abusive partners may monitor online activity. Doctors should therefore consider whether printed information would be safer for teenagers seeking help.
Groups identified as facing increased risks include homeless or economically disadvantaged teenagers, gender-diverse youth, Black and Indigenous female adolescents, and young people living in care systems.
The recommendations aim to make discussions about relationship safety a normal part of adolescent healthcare, helping teenagers recognize harmful behaviour and seek support before situations escalate.
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